While Qantas can no longer lock out its workers, the unions have been restricted in what they can do.

They wanted only a temporary suspension of industrial action, but that was rejected by Fair Work Australia.

In handing down the decision after two hours of deliberation, the tribunal said the temporary suspension sought by the three unions would not have provided enough certainty for the industry.

Qantas had argued against a suspension, saying that it would not guarantee the airline would run again as long as industrial bargaining continued.

This is the first time in Australia's history that a company has had to be brought to task after it's blackmailed the entire Australian community and 80,000 passengers around the world.

TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon

The national secretary of the Transport Workers Union, Tony Sheldon, says Qantas used the threat of more chaos to get its own way.

"This is the first time in Australia's history that a company has had to be brought to task after it's blackmailed the entire Australian community and 80,000 passengers around the world," he said.

"The Government stepped in; it is the first in my knowledge in our history of this country.

"The decision today is a slap in the face to Qantas. They're now forced to put their airline back in the air after this despicable action, grounding so many planes, so many hopes for so many people across the world."

The Federal Government had applied to the industrial umpire for the termination or suspension of industrial disputes between Qantas and three unions - Australian Licensed Engineers Union (ALAEA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian and International Pilots Union (AIPA).

We are pleased after 24 hours of turmoil, common sense was restored.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten

The FWA tribunal, headed by Justice Geoffrey Giudice, found there was significant uncertainty arising from the protected action of the unions but in particular from the Qantas employee lockout and grounding of the fleet.

"We should do what we can to avoid significant damage to the tourism industry," Justice Giudice said.